Testimony before a Stockton City Council subcommittee, in a first day of hearings this week for an investigation into the handling of the city’s diversity, equity and inclusion resources, revealed an atmosphere of “chaos” and “fear” at City Hall when under the helm of former interim City Manager Steve Colangelo.
And like previous Stockton City Council discussions, Colangelo — one of the 10 current and former city officials subpoenaed to testify in the council’s investigation — was once again absent. Despite the controversy and scrutiny of Colangelo’s decisions surrounding DEI management and funding at City Hall, Colangelo has yet to be questioned publicly, while staff has faced the brunt of the council’s inquiries for the past several months over the issue.
Former Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Preya Nixon and six other city officials testified Monday during a special session of the council’s Audit Committee. The committee is leading an investigation into Nixon’s demotion from a DEI manager working out of the city manager’s office to human resource personnel and the city’s alleged diversion of DEI funds during Colangelo’s tenure…